World Bank urges Kenya to act on graft

NAIROBI – The World Bank urged Kenya yesterday to act against corruption following accusations by graft watchdogs that officials were stealing public funds.

President Mwai Kibaki is under fire from donor states and graft watchdogs who accuse him of tolerating corruption in high places. His government has launched an investigation into a 2,7 billion shilling project to improve Kenya’s system for issuing passports that his own officials have said involved serious irregularities.The European Union said last week it had postponed a decision on an aid package Kenya needs for its budget because of graft concerns.Britain, a key donor, says the rate of theft of public funds by top officials is even quicker than that seen under Kibaki’s predecessor Daniel arap Moi.Kibaki, who won a December 2002 election on pledges to stamp out graft that flourished during Moi’s 24-year rule, announced an anti-corruption campaign in July last year but progress has been slow.The World Bank in June approved loans and grants of US$262 million for projects focused on water, transport and farming.The bank and major Western donors promised US$4,1 billion in long term funds to fight poverty last December after the International Monetary Fund restarted lending in November following a three-year gap caused by worries over corruption.-Nampa-ReutersHis government has launched an investigation into a 2,7 billion shilling project to improve Kenya’s system for issuing passports that his own officials have said involved serious irregularities.The European Union said last week it had postponed a decision on an aid package Kenya needs for its budget because of graft concerns.Britain, a key donor, says the rate of theft of public funds by top officials is even quicker than that seen under Kibaki’s predecessor Daniel arap Moi.Kibaki, who won a December 2002 election on pledges to stamp out graft that flourished during Moi’s 24-year rule, announced an anti-corruption campaign in July last year but progress has been slow.The World Bank in June approved loans and grants of US$262 million for projects focused on water, transport and farming.The bank and major Western donors promised US$4,1 billion in long term funds to fight poverty last December after the International Monetary Fund restarted lending in November following a three-year gap caused by worries over corruption.-Nampa-Reuters